Inaugural Run For Wildlife 5K A Success

 

The inaugural Run For Wildlife 5K proved to be a success for Busch Gardens Tampa. Over 1400 runners showed up early in the morning to brave this 3.1 mile course. It was a chilly morning, but the spirits of event organizers and runners alike were high and warm. The chip timed race is a first for Busch Gardens Tampa. The race provides participants to run through the winding pathways of the park while supporting animal conservation rights worldwide.



As the runners and family members awaited the race to start , the Christmastown elves made an appearance to both support the runners and advertise the upcoming family tradition called Christmastown. The elves were not the only surprises for the runners that morning either. Alex the lion and Gloria the hippo were outside of Madagascar in Stanleyville  greeting and cheering the runners on to the finish line. Skipper, Rico, Kowalski, and Private also were outside providing encouragement and being there for the few photo ops a runner or two wanted to have. The Christmastown elves were smiling at the finish line with cheerful glee as every runner finished their race.


Everyone had a personal best record for this race to improve upon the next year, but the individual winner for the men was Josh with a time of 16:08. The women's overall winner was Adrian with an overall time of 19:03.


After the race the runners were able to show off their medals, eat some snacks provided by Busch gardens, and pose with elves and family for their photos. The runners also got admission to the park that day to enjoy the wildlife that they were running for in a more personal, slowed down manner.

The Run For Wildlife 5k proved to be a great offering by Busch Gardens Tampa and I look forward to see it come back in years to come. The message that is sent forward from this race as well as the fun the runners get in seeing the park in a unique way provides a great educational benefit to the participants. The exposure also helps the Sea World & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund.

The Sea World & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit fund organization founded in 2003. Since its creation, over $11 million in conservation grants has been provided to over 800 organizations. If you would like to help this wonderful fund you are able to donate directly through their website. If you are a passholder or fun card holder you can go to guest relations and ask to have a hard plastic card for an additional $5 and every penny goes toward the fund. That is a perfect way to donate and have something that is always with you when entering the parks.

Howl-O-Scream Tampa Was A Scream

As darkness comes about, you look at your watch and see it is 7:30. You start to hear some music in the background and follow it to its source. You come upon the entrance to Busch Gardens Tampa and the music draws you through the gate. DON'T LISTEN!!!!!!   For you will be CURSED!!!!

Cursed is the theme this year for Howl-O-Scream in Tampa. "Can you survive the Curse" is how it is titled for those whom dare enter the front gates. I myself visited HOS twice this year. Opening night and this past weekend. Knowing that sometimes things are changed up from opening night, and that it was raining, I wanted to do my review after a visit in which the attraction is established for the season. I am glad I did.

Earlier I wrote a preview on the haunted houses that were featured this year. Considering I visit HOS every year and that Busch Gardens repeats some houses with a new twist, I brought along a guest reviewer Jeff @Eachann to give a fresh perspective from never having been to HOS before. As before, I have a rating of 1-10 screams, 10 being scariest and 1 being not scary at all.
WARNNING: THIS SECTION CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS INVOLVING THE HAUNTED HOUSES!!! PLEASE SKIP PAST THIS SECTION IF YOU WANT TO VISIT AND BE SURPRISED!!!!!!!!

Dead Fall is a new house this year where certain elements were voted on by fans from facebook. It is a very Victorian feel to it and well designed. We found the set to be great and the scares were good. Jeff thought that some of the plant scares involved were forced and did not work as anticipated



DAVE THRILLS ------- 6 Screams
JEFF @Eachann -------- 6 Screams


Zombie Containment Unit 15 is a new concept introduced at HOS that gives you a feel of running through a zombie infested area armed with your Zombie Eradication Device (laser gun) to slow the zombie approach. This is a great concept. I really liked how they set you up to enter. Once inside though it really seemed too tight. After the initial encounter the whole feel seemed very repetitive. I really hope they keep this idea and expand upon it next year. Maybe not make it a haunted house, but an attraction where it is featured to escape from zombies in of itself. I feel that if I was not looking to be scared, but entering with a mission of destruction, my expectations would have been met and scored this higher.

DAVE THRILLS -------3 Screams (would be a 9 if rated on fun versus scares)
JEFF @Eachann  ------- 5 Screams


Death Water Bayou returned for a second year and the Voodoo Queen did not disappoint in the scares from her evil minions. Jeff especially liked how the scares were unexpected and came from directions he never would have anticipated. This was my highest rated house last year and paves its way to the top for two years in a row. I LOVE IT!!!!

DAVE THRILLS ------- 8 Screams
Jeff @Eachann     ------- 8 Screams


The Basement is another one that debuted last year that is in the area formerly known as the solo walk through house "Alone." Momma's meats is still a hit and the scares were there. I really thought there were a lot of areas under-utilized that could have added a scare actor to really improve my score. Jeff loved the set, but thought it was too dark to really appreciate it.

DAVE THRILLS ------- 6 Screams
Jeff @Eachann     ------- 7 Screams


Blood Asylum is the longest running house currently at HOS. The "Creature" escapes from its high-security cell and makes the hospital his own torture chamber. WE both love the props in this house, really makes the feel of what is trying to be presented. The execution of the concept was lacking though. Would have been nice to see this "creature" on the loose or identify it as such.

DAVE THRILLS ------- 4 Screams
JEFF @Eachann  ------- 5 Screams


The Circus of Superstition in 3D is another repeat house in a different location. I was never a fan of it in its first year, but now it is one of my favorite ones to visit. The concept of 3D is really what makes it. Lots of mannequins that really make you wonder what is real and what is fake. Scared of clowns? Plenty of clowns in here. Jeff really loved how well the scare actors blended into the scenery

DAVE THRILLS ------- 7 Screams
Jeff @Eachann     ------- 7 Screams


Zombie Mortuary returns for another year. This has been a must-see the past 3 years and still is this year. I do miss that HOS took away the photo op in this house capturing your fear. As always, the scares were great and the misdirection worked very well in here. Jeff thought it was too dark to really enjoy but thought the scares were the best.

DAVE THRILLS ------- 7 Screams
Jeff @Eachann     ------- 8 Screams


The Experiment is an interactive challenge to test your fears. Close to a "Fear Factor" style. If you are unable to finish a challenge, the experiment is over (cockroaches, snakes, spiders, blood?). I chose not to do this one this year but did it previously. It has an upcharge starting at $50. Worth going through if you want that solo challenge dedicated just for you.

The wandering mobs and scare zones were very good and diverse. I personally loved the vampire group led around by their masters. Whereas Jeff loved the skateboarders. I was really impressed with their enthusiasm in trying to keep the scares going through the night even thought it was obvious some individuals were getting tired (skateboards running and grinding on their knees). It shows the determination the scare actors at HOS has in making it work for you.


"Fiends" is a live entertainment show in the Pantopia Theater that is a staple of HOS. See this show once, you are addicted. This evening we had the pleasure of seeing @FrankDavisAndCo play the lead role of Dr. Freakenstein. Be sure to join the Dr. at Freakenstein University as his students and meet the deranged professors for a lot of fun and jokes. Be sure to stay afterwards and get a "selfie" with your favorite professor or the "Naughty Nurses" themselves.


I took advantage of Fright Feast this evening and if you are truly here to experience ALL that HOS has to offer, than this upcharge is a must. It includes a buffet dinner that loaded with a large selection of eats as well as a taco bar. Do not forget to get your pumpkin cheesecake before they run out thought. The best part is that you get an exclusive showing of the "Fiends" show while you eat and exclusive use of the haunted houses from 7:00-7:30 AND front of line access to haunted houses until 8:30. I was able to visit all but one haunted house in that period to avoid the longer lines and then enjoy everything else HOS had to offer.

HOS does offer a variety of photo opportunities throughout the evening. If you take advantage of the photokey you will find all of the photos taken by park photographers are included from HOS (roller coasters too). The one thing I will say I was disappointed about though. They did take away the area where you had the opportunity to take pictures with the Naughty Nurses. Maybe it did not do well in the past? If you want your pic taken with a nurse, be sure to stay after the Fiends show to do so.


Overall HOS is an experience that rivals other offerings out there in the state of Florida. Tickets start at $89. The best way to take advantage is order your tickets online in advance and save up to $39 for a single ticket. Also be sure to look at the other upgrades and VIP experiences that HOS has to offer and make it a Halloween event to remember.

I am David "Thrills" and I am an avid goer to Busch Gardens. I will be one to admit Halloween is like my Christmas and HOS is the event I look forward to every year. As always, if you have any questions I may be able to help you with, or just want to hear my updates and live in-park tweeting, follow me @TampaAmazeMe or email me at TampaThrillMe@gmail.com

Will Howl-O-Scream BE the Choice This Year?

THERE IS A SONG....... They say when you hear it, you will be Cursed. It is than up to you to escape the Curse, or spread the song and spread the Curse.

Halloween returns again this year and as we approach the end of August we see the parks doing their reveals for the ultimate scare-fest. Busch Gardens Tampa is no different and 2014 brings us Howl-O-Scream. The theme for this year is Cursed. Howl-O-Scream will once again present a large number of haunted houses, both old and new, and bring the scares to thousands of guests in the 18 night run this year.

The haunted houses are always a favorite of the guests. Which one will really scare us and what ones can we just pass on by. Scott Swenson, who has always been one of the creative leads for HOS, stated during Safari Sidewalk Nights that HOS will have something this year that no other park has ever done before. This article will talk about the houses coming to HOS this year. So we shall start with the new houses.

ZOMBIE CONTAINMENT UNIT 15
3 years after the zombie invasion, there is a containment failure in Z.C.U. 15. Armed with your Zombie Eradication Device, it is up to you to fight off the hordes of zombies as they seek your flesh. This is INCLUDED IN THE COST OF YOUR ADMISSION!!!!!!  I have a lot of faith and excitement about this house. If done correctly, this looks to be THE HOUSE the crowds will be coming to in the park.


DEADFALL
The ghosts of long lost memories reach into the present and will NOT be forgotten! These spirits form the past lurk in the Victorian Garden and greenhouse, longing to drag unsuspecting guests into their world. This house is one of the ones that you can vote on the elements to on Facebook. It is always great when the fans get to contribute to the making of a new house. A part of ownership, one might say, as they walk through it.

DEATH WATER BAYOU
The Voodoo Queen returns again and mystically transforms travelers into her minions of evil with Black Magic. This by far was my favorite house last year and I am very happy to see it returning. I anxiously await to see what twists the creative minds put to the house for the 2014 experience.

THE BASEMENT
Momma Meats returns with her award winning recipe that is only created in the basement. What is the secret ingredient? Do you dare go to find out. Will you find the secret and escape before the Butcher finds you? Another new one last year I really enjoyed. This was a long house that really was well done.

ZOMBIE MORTUARY
How did the epidemic start? No one knows. The zombies infest this funeral home and feed on the flesh and brains of mortuary mourners to satisfy their never-ending hunger. Do not find yourself six feet under. This house has been around a few years, but is always one of the ones you want to visit. Maybe Busch Gardens will bring back the photo op in this house again so you can get that scream frozen in time.

BLOOD ASYLUM
"The Creature" escapes from his holding cell in a high security high-security asylum for the criminally insane. Now he has turned the mental hospital into his own personal torture chamber. This is another house that has been around for a few years. It has always been very well designed with the scares in the right places. Never been disappointed in this one.

CIRCUS OF SUPERSTITION: THE SHOW MUST GO ON
All the years of avoiding black cats and sidewalk cracks have caught up to you. Now you must escape this whole new dimension of fear. This house is in 3D. I have mixed opinions on this one. One year I loved it, and another year it was like...oh. There is a new location for the circus this year which lends to its credo as a new dimension. I am looking forward to seeing the new twist in a new location.

THE EXPIREMENT: THE FINAL TEST
Researchers challenge your fear tolerance and mental endurance in this interactive experience. The human body is pushed to its limits by putting them face-to-face to their worst nightmares. This is the house that has an upcharge to it. I did go through this ALONE last year and I will admit there were moments I was like....NO WAY. Can I say cockroaches, snakes, and blood. The nice thing about this, though, there are many things a human is afraid of. Meaning.......I went last year, but I should not see the same experience this year. I look forward to this a lot. The charge is $50 plus an additional $10 per person going with you, to a total of 4. Reserve your time before you go into the park if wanting to do this.


Want to insure you see ALL of the houses in one evening?  Be sure you take a look at HOS's options from front of line passes to guided tours as extras. I myself attend Fright Feast a half-hour of early access and one hour of front of line access to the houses. With a showing of Fiends while you eat.







HOS is a separate ticketed event with various pricing I will explore in a future article. I will say....advance tickets is the way to go. Are you a passholder? You get the best prices as always. Be sure to check out the ticket options and see what works best for you. Want further information on the houses, you can also got to the HOS website and read more of the back story of each house.

I am David "Thrills" and I am an avid goer to Busch Gardens. I will be one to admit Halloween is like my Christmas and HOS is the event I look forward to every year. As always, if you have any questions I may be able to help you with, or just want to hear my updates and live in-park tweeting, follow me @TampaAmazeMe or email me at tampathrillme@gmail.com.

 

 

World Elephant Day Busch Gardens Style

Like any other international event involving animals, Busch Gardens will be celebrating World Elephant Day on Saturday, Aug 9th. World Elephant Day is an international annual event that is officially celebrated on Aug 12th and is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of the world's elephants. It was officially founded, supported, launched, and currently directed by Patricia Sims and the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation on August 12, 2012. In two years it is supported by over 65 wildlife organizations.


The Sea World and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund has granted more than $10 million dollars to over 70 projects around the world, which includes 10 elephant conservation projects in Asia and Africa in 2013 and 2014. With the current estimated population of the African elephants around 400,000 and listed as "Vulnerable" and the Asian elephants around 40,000 and considered "endangered" by the IUCN Red List, such efforts by Busch Gardens and other wildlife organizations are vital to the preservation of the elephants.


On August 9, Busch Gardens Tampa will have activities and interactive displays in the Animal Care Center from 9:30am - 5:00pm. While there, you will be able to hear the trainers talk and will learn how the animal care team cares for their beloved elephants living in the park. You will even be able to help create enrichment activities for the elephants.

There is also an opportunity for 160 guests to take a behind the scene tour of the "Pachyderm Palace" starting at 10:00am. This is a 20 minute tour of the area where the elephants go during inclement weather or while the environment is getting cleaned. Meet team members at the front of the park at opening to get tickets or register at the Animal Care Center for any openings that may be left later in the day. I would show up early, the tickets will be going fast.

Lastly, and the most exciting is the 2 hour "Evening With the Elephants" at 7:00pm. Go behind the scenes to the elephant pool as trainers engage the elephants and share stories about the care of these amazing pachyderms. Included in this tour are appetizers, Coca-Cola products and a "Pink Elephant" specialty drink. This unique evening is $69. Yes, your passmember discounts do apply to this event. There is limited spaces for this evening and sure to be sold out soon, so be certain to purchase your tickets early to reserve your seating for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

World Elephant day is a special event and what better way to spend it than at Busch Gardens. Unable to make it? You can still donate to the Sea World and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund and help make a difference in the future of these pachyderms. In the park, go to guest services and have your passmember card or funpass upgraded to a hard plastic card for a small fee with all proceeds going to the conservation fund.


Keep up to date with happenings at Busch Gardens, live tweets in the park, and my first-hand review of Falcon's Fury when it launches. Be sure to follow me on twitter at @TampaAmazeMe or email me at tampathrillme@gmail.com for any questions about the park. I will do my best to answer or find an answer for you.

David "Thrills"

Note: The facts mentioned in this article were repeated with compliments to Wikipedia, Busch Gardens, and the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation.

Busch Gardens Jungala Insider Tour Is A Must

Jungala Insider Tour Review

 

 

As a regular visitor of Busch Gardens Tampa, I see a lot of shows and get to know a lot of the animals by name and actions. I could not tell you the number of times I have visited Jungala to see how Bzui is doing with her young ones, see how mischevious young Rukayah is being that day, or wonder if King is gonna give me the stare down that morning. Of all the years I have gotten to know these magnificent animals, I have yet to take the Jungala Insider Tour. Well, that was corrected the other day.

The tour starts by meeting up with the group in Jungala inside Tiger Lodge, in the viewing area overlooking the tigers. After the rules we went to the Orangutan housing. There are two groups of Orangutans at Busch Gardens with a total of five. Craig led this phase of the tour by explaining behaviors, answering questions, and even feeding the animals while we were able to watch closely. The orangutans are very curious and friendly and came to the glass for us to get a good look at as they posed for some memorable pictures.



The best part of this this phase of the tour was where we got to meet Luna, as Craig dubs, is the most intelligent animal at Busch Gardens. It was evidenced by a lot of the behaviors we were able to see. There were demonstrations on how they do medical checkups, teach them to handle the equipment themselves, and even to brush their own teeth. Luna really impressed me and I look forward to seeing her more.

Next we were off to the underground to see the tiger housing. Busch Gardens currently has 10 tigers; Four Malayan (including three cubs) and six Bengals. We learned how rare Malayan tigers were and how lucky the park was able to have the three cubs currently. We also got a demonstration by Bzui (the mommy of the cubs) and Erin (one of the handlers) on how they bring them up to a chute to draw blood for the
vet. While down there we were delighted to be able to see young Rukayah and Cintar. We also were able to see the feeding and behavior demonstrations of the brothers Zahra and Sohan. I really am a tiger lover and love how Jungala was built to view these amazing animals. These cats also get a lot of love, like any other animal at Busch Gardens and that is evidenced of all the toys you see as you leave the area. This tour was, in a word, AMAZING and something that should be on your bucket list at some time when you visit the park.




The Jungala Insider Tour was a very reasonable $29, with your discount if you are a passholder. Busch Gardens, like most theme parks is structured that you cannot see everything in one visit. That is why it is necessary to take advantage of their passholder promotions. Currently you can get a yearly pass starting at only $13/month with no down payment. Do rollercoasters one day, shows another, or just visit your favorite animal (like the tigers for me).




Keep up to date with happenings at Busch Gardens, live tweets in the park, and my first-hand review of Falcon's Fury when it launches. Be sure to follow me on twitter at @TampaAmazeMe or email me at tampathrillme@gmail.com for any questions about the park. I will do my best to answer or find an answer for you.

David "Thrills"